Kathmandu, April 29:

The people’s movement resulted in revival of the House of Representatives and there is all-round jubilation. But, many of those who fought for it remain forgotten and unsung in their ongoing battle for life due to meningitis and infections from wounds sustained.

Major hospitals are receiving patients suffering from wound infections. Mukesh Kayastha, 15, is critical even though a bullet was taken out of his head because he developed meningitis due to infection.

He is undergoing treatment at the Bir Hospital. Neurosurgeons Dr Pawan Sultania and Dr Upendra Devkota took out the bullet from his head after he was shot at in Banepa during the 19-day people’s movement.

Dr Kiran Shrestha, general secretary of the Nepal Medical Association (NMA), said that a panel of specialists will decide tomorrow whether Kayastha should be sent to New Delhi.

Binayak Hospital in Gongabu and Kathmandu Model Hospital on Exhibition Road, are receiving patients who are suffering from wound infections. Around 250 patients came to Binayak Hospital today for treatment.

According to the hospital, some 15 patients with wound infections visit the hospital every day. KMH received four patients today. B&B Hospital at Gwarko too received two patients with wound infections. Dr Shrestha said casualties would have been much higher had health workers not treated the injured patients on time.

Kayastha’s treatment cost will be borne by the fund created for the treatment of those injured during the people’s movement. Dr Arjun Lamichanne, orthopaedic surgeon at TUTH, said meningitis or other serious infection can be caused by bullet wounds. Dr Damoder Pokhrel, medical superintendent at the Bir Hospital, said meningitis leads to serious complications. “Meningitis can cause death,” he added. “Chances of getting infected in street injuries caused due to baton-charges, cuts or bullet injuries are very high,” said Dr Pokhrel.

According to TUTH, a total of 10 protesters each lost vision in one eye due to bullet and other injuries during the people’s movement.